Bread Machines

[Big Toni]

Seriously considering buying a bread maker. Done some research, but am quite confused. I would appreciate comments, suggestions, and brands from those who use them regularly. What, if any, special features should I consider and why. I want to be able to use my own ingredients, no mixes. Thanks for your help.

[FrankZ]

I used to own one, I think it was Sunbeam. I gave it to my Mom after I got a stand mixer.

Most of them seem to have features in common (capacity, crust color, dough cycle, etc.) I liked the timer as it was nice to wake up in the morning to baking bread, though I didn't use it often.

One thing to keep in mind is the shape of the loaf you get. I didn't like the tall square loaf for sandwiches, but for bread on the table it was fine.

They are convenient as a set and forget and have bread, but if you want to really take over your bread baking a good stand mixer is more versatile in the long run.

Good luck in your search.

[CWS4322]

I have three bread machines. I use them for making dough. One is a black and decker, another is a Homesense (?) (that one is in storage at the rental property), and the other is a Kitchen Pro (this one has the most number of cycles--I use it here at the farm). I picked them up at Thrift stores for $5-10 each. I did have a double-paddle black and decker (bought that new). Hated it. One of the paddles always came off mid-cycle. Got rid of that one. I'd suggest getting one at a yard sale or thrift store to figure out if you like having one. It seems that a lot of people get rid of them <g>.

[Bigjim68]

I'd get one at a thrift store unless one has feature that you think you will like. A lot of unused or rarely used at the thrift stores, and for me that is the ultimate recycling. Like CWS, I rarely make bread in mine. You can use the dough cycle overnight, form and bake in the oven in the morning.